All damaged items should be reported in person prior to leaving the airport. This notification must take place no later than 24 hours after flight arrival for flights within or between the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or within seven days of arrival for all other international flights. Damaged articles need to be presented for inspection at the airport where United personnel are responsible for the final resolution of your damage claim.

What do I do if I have delayed or missing baggage?

Baggage that is missing or delayed should be reported in person prior to leaving the airport. This notification should take place no later than 24 hours after the arrival of the flight on which the bag was checked.

What are the baggage limits for United Economy® travel within the U.S.?

Checked baggage questions

Yes. For example, a family of four traveling on the same reservation will be charged for each of their first bags checked, one each per passenger. Each second bag per passenger would be assessed the applicable second bag service charge.

Do the checked bag service charges also apply to customers on United Express® flights?

Yes, this policy applies to all United Express flights.

Do the bag service charges cover my entire trip?

If the trip begins on a United-marketed flight, then checked bag service charges apply at any point where bags are checked. For a trip that includes one or more connections, bags will be checked to your final destination and the charge for checking a bag from your origin to your destination will apply. For a trip that includes a voluntary stopover, your bags will be checked to your stopover point, where you will collect your bags. When you resume travel, you may check your bags again, subject to applicable charges based on the origin and final destination indicated on the ticket. If your trip is marketed by a carrier other than United, that airline’s policies apply. United only checks bags through between the origin and destination stated on the ticket. If you have a separate ticket on another carrier, you must claim bags at the destination of the first ticketed itinerary and check bags with the other carrier to the final destination. Baggage can be checked through to the final destination if the separate ticketed itinerary includes Star Alliance member airline-operated flights.

What is the cost to check three or more bags during non-excess baggage embargo periods?

Customers will be required to pay a service charge per bag or item, based on the itinerary, to check additional baggage, as long as the bag meets the weight and size requirements. To determine service charges for excess bags for your trip, use our baggage calculator, and after your results are displayed, check the box for “Additional and other bag charges.” If your bag exceeds the weight and size requirement, you will also be asked to pay additional service charges for overweight and/or oversized baggage. View the Excess Baggage page for more information.

What is the service charge for an overweight bag during non-excess baggage embargo periods?

Customers who travel in United Economy with checked baggage weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and not exceeding 70 pounds (32 kg) will be charged at the rate of up to $200 per piece depending on the destination. Baggage weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kg) but less than 100 pounds (45 kg) will be charged at a rate up to $400 per piece, depending on the destination. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage. Baggage weighing 100 pounds (45 kg) or more will not be accepted as checked baggage. View the Excess Baggage page for more information.

What is the service charge for an oversized bag during non-excess baggage embargo periods?

Customers who travel with checked baggage exceeding 62 linear inches (158 cm) (total length + width + height) will be required to pay a service charge per bag or item, based on the itinerary. To determine service charges for oversized baggage for your trip, use our baggage calculator, and after your results are displayed, check the box for “Additional and other bag charges.” These service charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage. Baggage measuring more than 115 inches (292 cm) will not be accepted as checked baggage. View the Excess Baggage page for more information.

Is sporting equipment subject to bag service charges?

Yes. Sporting equipment that does not have its own service charge is subject to the first and second bag charges. Some sporting equipment is subject to its own charge and is exempt from the first and second bag charges. View the Sports Equipment page for more information.

My child is under the age of two and sits on my lap when I fly. When I check one bag, will a baggage service charge be due if I also check my child's stroller and car seat?

No. When traveling with a child, you may check one stroller and one car seat free of charge.

I travel with a wheelchair. If I check one bag, will I also be required to pay a service charge for my wheelchair when I check it?

United accepts one wheelchair or other assistive device per customer in addition to the checked baggage allowance at no additional charge.

When I check in for a flight and pay checked bag service charges, what happens if the flight is canceled and I do not travel that day?

You are eligible for a refund for checked bag service charges when you involuntarily do not travel. You may request your refund through the United refund process either by email, phone or regular mail. View the Refunds section for details.

Can I pay for my checked bag at curbside?

Yes, you may pay checked baggage service charges at curbside check-in by credit card.

Can I pay for my checked bag while checking in online for my flight?

When checking in at united.com, you can input your credit card information to cover your checked bag service charges. Your card will be charged immediately for the number of bags you designate at the time you check in online. If required, you may change the number of checked bags at the airport; however, bag charges paid online will not be refunded.

If I'm traveling in United Economy on a MileagePlus award ticket, do I need to pay bag service charges?

Customers without Premier status who redeem their MileagePlus miles for travel in United Economy will be charged checked bag service charges. Customers redeeming MileagePlus miles for United First®, United Global FirstSM, United Business® or United BusinessFirst® travel will be exempt from the checked bag charges.

If I upgrade to a premium cabin, will I be charged checked bag service charges?

Whether you pay a checked bag service charge depends on what your seating status was at the time when you dropped off your bags. If at the time when you checked in your bags you were confirmed in the United Economy cabin, then you would be charged for checking a bag. If you change from United Economy to a premium cabin before you drop off your bags, then you do not pay the charge. There is no refund for a charge paid if you check your bags in while still holding the status of United Economy and then later upgrade to United First.

How do checked bag service charges affect the carry-on policy?

The policy for checked bags does not impact the carry-on policy. Customers are still allowed one carry-on bag that must not exceed 14 inches x 9 inches x 22 inches (35 cm x 23 cm x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm) and one personal item. View the Carry-on Baggage page for more information.

What if I am connecting onto a codeshare or Star Alliance® partner flight?

When a customer travels on a codeshare flight or on an aircraft operated by a Star Alliance member airline, then the policy regarding checked bags follows the rules determined by the originating marketing carrier.

How do eligible MileagePlus credit cardmembers qualify for waived checked baggage service charges?

Qualifying MileagePlus credit cardmembers are eligible to receive waived service charges for one or two standard checked bags for the primary cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation. See the baggage calculator for specific service charge waivers. To receive this benefit, the primary cardmember must include his or her MileagePlus number in the reservation and use a qualifying card to purchase the ticket(s), and the card must be valid at check-in. Cardmember exemptions are valid only on flights operated by United or United Express. See united.com/chasebag for complete details.